Review of "Autobiography of a Mad Nation" by Sriram Karri

Title: Autobiography of a Mad Nation

Author: Sriram Karri

Available at: Flipkart

The book starts on a poignant note with a very unpredictable rant, which goes on and on for some time. However, the reader is lured into the book with the very stark words - "I was born in a mentally retarded nation." These words not only jostle the reader but also make us question our very actions and even thoughts!

Vikrant Vaidya is sentenced to death for killing his neighbor and as per his right, he writes a mercy petition to the Indian President. The mercy petition is eight pages long and it is more of a 'rant' than a petition.

The book picks up pace when the CBI head is asked by the Indian President to investigate if Vikrant Vaidya has indeed murdered his neighbor or not and whether he is being sentenced to death needlessly or not. The President and the retired CBI head are friends so there is no chance that the latter can say "No" to such a case.

The CBI head believes it to be a simple case, but soon he is walking on egg shells as he dwelves from the tales of the Emergency to Operation Blue Star to Anti-Mandal Protests to Babri Masjid Demolition to the Gujrat riots. The reader too, is transfixed as the narrative moves in a fast-paced manner from one event to the other in a seamless manner.

I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review Program" and i must say i thoroughly enjoyed this book for the most part!

The narrative meanders at times, but maybe that's intentional! It is gripping at times and the best part is that it holds the attention of the reader to the most basic and the precise fact whether India is indeed a mad nation or not? To answer this question, read the book!

Review of "India on My Platter" by Saransh Goila

Title: India on My Platter
Author: Saransh Goila 
Available At: Flipkart

Backpacking through the country, young chef Saransh Goila sets off on a culinary trail through India, where in he discovers the various nuances of local cuisine. 

From rural villages to barren deserts to freezing mountains, he unfolds the flavour of his destination by meeting local villagers or erstwhile royalty, picking up a tip or two to use in his kitchen. 

Wherever he goes, he makes sure to visit the famous eateries of that place. Through him, the reader can vividly smell the spices and taste the dishes that are described. The recipes given also present ways on using locally found ingredients. 

From having steaming Murthal ke paranthes to savouring tasty street food in home town Delhi, from cooking on a boat in Varanasi to cooking dishes using a bamboo hollow in Assam, Goila does it all and presents his adventures in a lucid, flowing narrative peppered with humorous anecdotes.